(CNN) - In the ongoing war of words between Rush Limbaugh and Colin Powell, top Bush strategist Karl Rove is siding with the popular talk radio host.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Rove said Limbaugh would edge out the former secretary of state if he "had to pick between the two."

Rove's comments come after a back-and-forth between Limbaugh and Powell, during which both have charged the other is hurting the GOP's chances of success in the future.

Discussing divisions over the direction of the party in the wake of its losses in the 2006 midterm elections and 2008 presidential election, Powell said the party should expand its base.

"I have always felt that the Republican Party should be more inclusive than it generally has been over the years and I believe that we need a strong Republican Party that is not just anchored in the base but has built on the base to include more individuals," he told "Face the Nation."

Ultimately, Rove said, the debate between Limbaugh and Powell is a "false" one because neither is a candidate for public office.

"The real debate takes place out there in the real world by people getting out there and encouraging the kind of candidates who represent their vision for the party," Rove said.

soundoff(247 Responses)

Truth-Bomb Thrower

The fact of the matter is Colin Powel has NEVER been a real republican. He declared himself a republican in the 1990's only because there was already too much competition for the black leadership of the democratic party. He didn't want to fight Jackson and Sharpton for leadership status. (He would have lost.)

The republican party MADE Colin Powell, and when it needed him the most, he tucked his tail between his legs and ran to the other side. Now he's trying to hedge his bets. He's a political prostitute. Whichever party can deliver him the most glory and prestige at any one time is the one he sides with. He may have been a hero in Vietnam, but in politics, he's a COWARD.

May 24, 2009 02:24 pm at 2:24 pm |

Post always rejected by CNN

Well one loud mouth who knows nothing, picking another loud mouth who knows nothing. Good match up....they can kiss up to each other all day long.

May 24, 2009 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |

Sandy Carey

Excuse me, but does ANYONE really care what this little punk has to say? I realize that there are still a number of non thinking so called Americans out there who just go with the flow never bothering to check facts, think through an issue or stop watching reality TV shows, but come on! Karl Rove?? Dick Cheney?? Rush the Pig?? Are you kidding?! Remember something - anyone who says, as Devil Spawn Cheney has said, that the first responsibility of a Republican is to vote for a Republican, is not only missing the point of what this nation stands for, but is also as far from a patriot as one can possibly venture. Get with the program, guys and shut these moronic demons DOWN!

May 24, 2009 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |

Just the facts

Two political realities the country can be thankful for occurring: the first is Rush's demonizing of General Powell and the second is Clown( or is it Carl) Rove's confirming Rush's view. These two political" has beens" only strengthen the country, the people and the Democratic Party. Now if only Newt and Sarah can sign on board; the political circus train ( AKA the Republican Right) can reach its final destination, the Republican Party Cemetery. At that point, perhaps, the party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Clifford Case, Senator Baker and the plethora of long dormant thinking Republicans can, like the Phoenix, arise and take its legitimate position in American politics.

May 24, 2009 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |

Penny

Just goes to show you what an idiot Karl Rove is to pick Rush Limbaugh over Colin Powell. The only club Rush has picked up is a golf club. He knows nothing about serving in the military and neither does Karl or for that matter Cheney. None of them has served their country. Why are they running their mouths? Sad!

May 24, 2009 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |

lucretia

The biggest purveyor of hate in this country is the president himself. His vile and tortured explanations that contradict facts have driven a wedge between honest people.

It is time now for the American people to insist on the president coming clean and speaking honestly or to resign.

May 24, 2009 02:27 pm at 2:27 pm |

akfame

Rove chooses a drug addict over a decorated military man plus a decent man. Not hard to see why people are leaving the GOP " The Godless Opposition Party".

May 24, 2009 02:27 pm at 2:27 pm |

mark

Wow! Its amazing how the GOP let the spin doctors run the show. Honorable people like Powell, who served his country are tossed like garbage. They choose people like Rush, Hannity, and other spin doctors to define their party. No wonder they cant hold on to elected seats. The one who have a proven track record of being patroits are irrevalent. The ones who spit poison and have never served their country are more revalent in the GOP!

May 24, 2009 02:28 pm at 2:28 pm |

Sarah

This summarizes the plight of the Republican party exactly!

I am figuring, umm... 22 more years before we see another Republican President... it will literally take them that long to deflate their self-aggrandized arrogant egos.

May 24, 2009 02:28 pm at 2:28 pm |

Ed, Santa Fe, NM

Why don't the Bush henchmen just shut up and go away? We're sick to death of them and their hate-mongering.

May 24, 2009 02:29 pm at 2:29 pm |

Michael Ashley

Oh, so Rove doesn't side with a general, Vietnam vet, Ranger qualified, former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State...he sides with a draft dodging flunky? Case closed

I think it is a disgrace that a drug addict radio talk show host who continuously spreads venom and has nothing but divisive talk is more important than a decorated war veteran General Powell. Then what would you expect from Rove? This was the guy for last 8 years advising united states President. The thought is now really frightening I see this is the beginning of end of GOP as we know it..

May 24, 2009 02:30 pm at 2:30 pm |

Lacey

And the Republicans wonder "what are we doing wrong"? Dumb idiots!

May 24, 2009 02:30 pm at 2:30 pm |

Lee Jones

When Colon Powell voted for Obama for president he gave up any influence with this Republican. I'm astounded at his nerve! Kark Rove is right, Rush Limbaugh is the true republican.

May 24, 2009 02:31 pm at 2:31 pm |

CindyLouWho

Rove and Limbaugh are "two blasts from the past" who still think they're important. NOT!

May 24, 2009 02:31 pm at 2:31 pm |

Pragmatic

... this is news? Why does anyone even bother asking when you know what the answer will be ... just like Porky Pig – at the end of a silly cartoon – its time for Porky Jr. to say "that's all folks!:

May 24, 2009 02:32 pm at 2:32 pm |

Chad

How fitting. Rove, the college dropout, Bush cronie supports the ranting radio show host over a man who's dedicated his life to service of our country. This on the day before Memorial Day. Honor the troops, not the chickenhawks.

May 24, 2009 02:33 pm at 2:33 pm |

J.L.L. Indiana

Where would the Democratic Party be today if they had let their left wing base rule the party. Right wing extremist would rather destroy the republican party than relinquish their absolute power. Republicans are doomed.

May 24, 2009 02:33 pm at 2:33 pm |

dave

why would expect any less of Rove, he is similar to Limbaugh,,,,never held public office and has a big mouth...the only real difference is that Rove has not been arrested for abusing prescription drugs.....has he?

May 24, 2009 02:34 pm at 2:34 pm |

MATT

What a mess the Republican Party has become.

May 24, 2009 02:34 pm at 2:34 pm |

Marshal

I choose Jabba the Hutt over Karl Rove. If I had to pick between the two, Jabba has just a slightly larger chin.

My decision, of course, is based solely on chin size.

May 24, 2009 02:35 pm at 2:35 pm |

Gary

This should no surprise to anyone. Mr. Rove picks a conservative over a democrat or at the very best an ultra liberal republican in the mode of Spectre. I would agree 100% with Mr. Rove in taking Limbaugh over the traitor to all that the republican party stands for Powell. The best thing you can say about Powell is that he is a RINO and is no asset to the republicans, he is a detriment.

May 24, 2009 02:38 pm at 2:38 pm |

george

Carl, please say you are "just Kidding". You choose a drug addict talk show personality over a decorated General. Carl, you may be more dangerous than Dick Cheney. Oh, can you tell Cheney to tell his daughter to shut up. Thanks